Applications for a new form of ID that can be used at elections has opened today.
It comes after new laws came into force requiring anyone hoping to vote in the upcoming local election to show a photo ID in order to receive a ballot paper. Local elections will take place across England on May 4 - voters have until 5pm on Tuesday, April 25 to apply for a certificate before the May elections.
The government has highlighted that voter ID is not necessary if a voter already has an acceptable form of photo ID. Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area, or Commonwealth passport as well as a UK, EEA or Commonwealth driver’s licence - voters can also use an expired ID as long as they are recognizable in the photo.
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Ailsa Irvine, Director of Electoral Administration at the Electoral Commission, said: “The availability of free ID is important to maintaining the accessibility of elections. We are calling on all voters to check whether they have an accepted form of ID, and if not, to apply for the certificate.
“We know from research that the vast majority of people already have the ID they need. Those voters only need to remember to bring it with them on polling day. However, anyone who doesn’t currently have photo ID can now apply for free voter ID.”
How to apply for a voter ID
According to The Electoral Commission, voters can submit an application online or through the post. Applications are free of charge and all you need is a recent, digital photo of yourself and your National Insurance Number.
It's important to note that you can still apply if you don't have your National Insurance Number on hand, however, you will instead need to provide other documents to prove your identity such as a birth certificate, bank statement, or utility bill.
Paper application forms can be grabbed from local authorities.
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